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Home invasion in Saline County; authorities search for suspect

A Saline County couple were victims of a home invasion early Thursday and authorities are searching for a Texas man who has been identified as a suspect.
Derek Dione Wilkerson, 41, of Mesquite, Texas, was last seen driving away from the scene in the victims' vehicle, a 2004 white Ford Mustang convertible with a tan top and license plate number 416RAM.
Wilkerson is expected to be charged with two counts of felony residential burglary, two counts of felony aggravated assault, two counts of felony terroristic threatening, two counts of felony kidnapping, two counts of felony aggravated robbery, two counts of felony false imprisonment, two counts of felony breaking and entering, two counts of felony theft of property, third-degree battery, criminal trespass and additional misdemeanor charges.
Lt. Scotty Courtney said just after midnight, Wilkerson allegedly broke into a home in the 11100 block of Interstate 30 in Benton. When the victims awakened, they were physically attacked, Courtney said.
Wilkerson allegedly bound their hands and demanded money and items from their home.
Wilkerson then fled the home in the victims' vehicle and is believed to have driven to Texas, Courtney said. The victims reportedly positively identified Wilkerson from a police lineup book.
Courtney said law enforcement agencies in Texas and the U.S. Marshals Service have been notified and are searching for the suspect.
The Saline Courier will report information as it becomes available.